New Places: John Heinz NWR at Tinicum (Philadelphia)

Occasionally, OCD birders do “normal” things, like go to a baseball game during opening weekend.. so when Rob and I scored tickets to see the Phillies, the next logical question to follow was:

“Where are we birding before the game?”

Granted, we kicked around birding locally before taking off for the game or even going to Cape May beforehand, but why not take the opportunity to explore a new spot? and then the AH HA! John Heinz NWR.

I had always passed it on my way to the Philadelphia airport. I attempted to bird there once (when a message came about my lifer White Ibis at Brig).. and had to cut that visit short. But now is the perfect time.

Even more perfect, was the fact that a volunteer-guided bird walk was scheduled with Edie Parnum (who regularly leads walks at Heinz) and friends (thanks Edie, Michael and Denis!)

What a great opportunity – see some great birds, welcome back spring and meet new friends who can teach us about a wonderful new location!

Our walk began with Wild Turkeys putting on a show at the feeders viewable from the visitor’s center

We met our group at 9am and walked the boardwalk and trails and tallied 48 species. (Many of which were welcome signs of spring!) (see eBird report below)

Not to be missed are: Feeder views from the Visitors’ center, the nesting Bald Eagles, the Marsh Trail and..well.. everything in between! 🙂

One of the many water features that makes Heinz a great place to view waterfowl!

Tree Swallows are a sure sign of spring

If you ever have the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend it. What a wonderful birding location, right in the middle of an urban setting. The diverse habitat is great for seeing many different kinds of birds! I’m sure we will be back!